Moussa Kaka, director of Radio Télévision Saraounia (RTS) and former correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI), disappeared on August 31, 2026, in Niamey, Niger's capital city. He was last seen leaving his office around 7 pm, but never arrived home. Three weeks later, his family, friends, and colleagues remain without news of his whereabouts. The lack of information has raised concerns about his safety and well-being.
Sadibou Marong, director of the Sub-Saharan Africa bureau for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has expressed concern over the disappearance, stating that the Nigerien authorities have not provided any information about Moussa Kaka's fate. Marong emphasized that the authorities have the means to investigate and locate the journalist but have not done so. RSF has now classified Moussa Kaka's disappearance as a "forced disappearance."
The disappearance of Moussa Kaka occurred two days after a mutiny in Niamey, which was put down by military authorities. While RSF has not established a direct link between the two events, Marong noted that the journalist's disappearance takes place in a context of heightened socio-political tensions. The mutiny and subsequent repression resulted in several arrests and injuries.
RSF is continuing its efforts to obtain information about Moussa Kaka's disappearance, engaging with Nigerien authorities and international organizations. The organization has reached out to the Special Rapporteur of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and has decided to file a report with the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.
Marong emphasized that the situation is particularly difficult for Moussa Kaka's family and colleagues, who are growing increasingly anxious about his fate. He urged the Nigerien authorities to communicate any information they may have about the journalist's disappearance and to ensure his safety and respect for his rights.
The international community has expressed concern about Moussa Kaka's disappearance, with the Alliance of Democrats of the Sahel calling for the authorities to shed light on the journalist's fate and ensure his safety. RSF's efforts to secure Moussa Kaka's release have been ongoing, with the organization maintaining contact with defenders of press freedom and civil society in Niger.
As the search for Moussa Kaka continues, concerns about press freedom and safety in Niger have been raised. The country has experienced increased tensions and military rule, which have contributed to a challenging environment for journalists and human rights defenders. KEY_POINT: Moussa Kaka has been missing for three weeks with no information about his fate. KEY_POINT: RSF has classified Moussa Kaka's disappearance as a "forced disappearance." KEY_POINT: The international community has called for the Nigerien authorities to investigate and provide information about Moussa Kaka's disappearance.
